10 Rad Soundtracks That Will Rock Your World

Music is a powerful force that can evoke emotions, create memories, and even transport us to different worlds. When paired with video games, music can take on a whole new level of importance, immersing us in the game's atmosphere and enhancing our overall experience.

Over the years, there have been countless video game soundtracks that have left an unforgettable mark on players. From the iconic melodies of Super Mario Bros. to the sweeping orchestrations of Final Fantasy, these soundtracks have become synonymous with the games they accompany.

In this article, we present 10 of the most rad video game soundtracks of all time, each of which offers a unique and unforgettable musical journey. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual music fan, these soundtracks are guaranteed to impress and inspire.

10. The Last of Us (2013)

The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game that tells a gripping story of survival, love, and loss. The game's soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, perfectly captures the game's somber and atmospheric tone.

The soundtrack combines haunting melodies, eerie soundscapes, and traditional Argentinian folk music to create a truly unforgettable musical experience. Santaolalla's masterful use of the guitar, particularly the charango, lends a unique and evocative quality to the music.

9. Skyrim (2011)

Skyrim is an epic role-playing game set in the vast and unforgiving world of Tamriel. The game's soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is a sweeping orchestral masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the game's sense of adventure and exploration.

The soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, from soaring strings to powerful brass sections. Soule's use of traditional Celtic instruments, such as the fiddle and the bagpipes, adds a unique and immersive quality to the music.

8. Super Metroid (1994)

Super Metroid is a classic side-scrolling action-adventure game that has stood the test of time. The game's soundtrack, composed by Kenji Yamamoto, is a masterpiece of chiptune music that perfectly captures the game's atmosphere of isolation and mystery.

The soundtrack combines driving basslines, haunting melodies, and ambient soundscapes to create a truly immersive musical experience. Yamamoto's skillful use of the Super Nintendo's sound chip pushes the boundaries of what was possible with 16-bit music.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed video games of all time. The game's soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, is a timeless masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's sense of wonder and adventure.

The soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, from orchestral pieces to traditional Japanese folk music. Kondo's masterful use of instrumentation, particularly the ocarina, creates a truly unforgettable musical experience.

6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Final Fantasy VII is a groundbreaking role-playing game that set new standards for the genre. The game's soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is a soaring orchestral masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's epic scope and dramatic story.

The soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, from haunting melodies to powerful brass sections. Uematsu's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes associated with specific characters or events, creates a truly immersive and memorable musical experience.

5. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Halo: Combat Evolved is a first-person shooter that revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking gameplay and stunning visuals. The game's soundtrack, composed by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, is a powerful and evocative masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's sense of scale and epic warfare.

The soundtrack combines driving electronic beats, haunting melodies, and sweeping orchestral arrangements to create a truly unforgettable musical experience. O'Donnell and Salvatori's skillful use of the Xbox's sound chip pushes the boundaries of what was possible with video game music.

4. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic video games of all time. The game's soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, is a simple but unforgettable masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's sense of fun and excitement.

The soundtrack features several short but catchy melodies that have become synonymous with the game. Kondo's use of the Nintendo Entertainment System's limited sound chip creates a truly unique and charming musical experience.

3. Chrono Trigger (1995)

Chrono Trigger is a time-traveling role-playing game that has been hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time. The game's soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is a sweeping orchestral masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's sense of adventure and wonder.

The soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, from soaring strings to haunting melodies. Mitsuda's use of traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto and the shamisen, adds a unique and evocative quality to the music.

2. Tetris (1989)

Tetris is one of the most popular and enduring video games of all time. The game's soundtrack, composed by Alexey Pajitnov, is a simple but unforgettable melody that has become synonymous with the game.

The melody is based on the Russian folk song "Korobeiniki." Pajitnov's arrangement of the melody is simple and repetitive, but it is also incredibly catchy and addictive.

1. Undertale (2015)

Undertale is a role-playing game that has been praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and thought-provoking story. The game's soundtrack, composed by Toby Fox, is a unique and unforgettable masterpiece that perfectly captures the game's quirky and heartwarming tone.

The soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, from upbeat chiptune melodies to haunting orchestral pieces. Fox's use of leitmotifs creates a truly immersive and memorable musical experience.

Conclusion

These 10 video game soundtracks are just a few of the many that have left an unforgettable mark on players over the years. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual music fan, these soundtracks are guaranteed to impress and inspire.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Finding Great Video Game Soundtracks

• Explore music streaming services. Many streaming services now offer specialized playlists and channels dedicated to video game music.
• Read reviews and listen to samples. There are many websites and blogs that review video game soundtracks. Take some time to read reviews and listen to samples before deciding which soundtracks to purchase.
• Attend video game concerts. Many video game developers host concerts that feature live performances of their soundtracks. Attending a concert is a great way to experience video game music in a whole new way.
• Create your own video game soundtrack mix. Once you've discovered some video game soundtracks that you love, create your own mix to listen to while you play games, work, or relax.